Zaya (graphic novel) - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Diamond Book Distributors and Magnetic Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Zaya
Author: Jean-David Morvan
Illustrator: Huang-Jia Wei
Translator: Mike Kennedy
Recent Release Date: August 26, 2014

My Review of NAJA (also by Jean-David Morvan)


Synopsis: Zaya tells the story of secret agent in the distant future who left her post to seek a normal life as an artist and mother. When a biomechanical threat destroys an orbiting colony station and former fellow agents start dying, she is called back into the field to find and stop the danger. Her investigation leads to many questions about her own past, filled with explosive revelations.

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Review: There are many similarities between Zaya and Jean-David Morvan's other work, Naja, but halfway through this graphic novel there's a twist that really grabbed my attention. I won't spoil it, but it involves twisting reality. I prefer Zaya to Naja, but that may be because I like space adventures more than spy thrillers. 

The artwork in this graphic novel is different from what I've seen recently. The colors are quite muted, often very light or almost pastel. The details are incredible, but in some panels the details feel a little crowded. The technology blends really well into the overall aesthetic. The whole feel of the graphic novel reminded me of The Fifth Element. 

I really enjoyed the second half of this comic. I thought it was leading a predictable path at first, but it took a far turn and I enjoyed the ride. I give this graphic novel a 4/5 and highly recommend it to fans of space adventures that play with your mind. This is a mature graphic novel with gore and some sexual situations. 


--PAUL